Posted on

Songwriting for the Musical Soundcloud: It’s Up!

This class has ultimately pushed me further than most music classes at Purchase, and I am fortunate to be featured among several talented composers and lyricists for this end of the semester “performance.” Due to COVID-19 complications, we could not have the live performance typical of this class. However, a SoundCloud playlist/podcast has its own advantages moving forward during this time. This gives composers the opportunity to utilize a much wider array of arranging options, not being limited to the piano/guitar of the live performances. I tried to make use of this on my track, Staples Separation. Honored to have it be on this playlist, alongside such talent from my peers.

Big shout out to Ryan Homsey and Sara Cooper for being immensely positive and flexible when it comes to organizing this. Their kindness is not superficial, they gave us great feedback pushed us to be the best we could be every Monday. Thank you, truly <3

Posted on

FSSA Production of The Music Man 2017

When I was first cast into my school’s production of The Music Man, I was overcome with many emotions. Pervading through them was the shock and amazement that I, a lone instrumental major, was able to be cast in the highest attended event of the school year. Say what you’d like about it, but Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man is exactly what it needs to be. It’s funny, it’s grandiose, it has a heartfelt story, and it has a fantastic soundtrack. Hit after hit after hit. Besides all of this, it’s simply an extremely fun show to be in, which never gets boring and is always full of surprises. I am honored to have performed in this fantastic show.

More surprises were just around the corner. We were fortunate enough to perform on Broadway as part of the Shubert Foundation High School Music Festival. Performing of Broadway was something I never thought I would experience, and I am beyond honored to have done it. Thank you C.P, thank you to the whole cast. I’m fortunate to have shared in this experience with you all!

Posted on

CAT Youth Theatre Production of Walls

At the beginning of this year, I joined an organization called the CAT Youth Theatre. Up until that point, I have had very little luck in fitting in such a new environment, after moving to New York City from south Florida. CAT gave me friends that I will know for the rest of my life, and I will always appreciate that.

The value of what CAT does cannot be overstated. Even if you aren’t typically involved in theatre, the playbuilding activities used by CAT to write/act in it helps people from all walks of life to come out of their shells, get to truly connect with one another. It’s been a very formative experience for me, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

This all culminated in Walls, an original show devised by the company. It has been a long couple of months filled with rehearsals, but it all paid off in the end. Thank you to all the directors, especially Helen. You do incredible work for young people, and that is not lost on me.